Champion

US (1949): Drama/Sports/Film-Noir

Midge Kelly (Kirk Douglas), hitchhiking west with lame brother Connie (Arthur Kennedy), is hustled unprepared into a pro boxing match. Though he's severely beaten, manager Tommy Haley (Paul Stewart) finds him promising. Arrived in California, Midge and Connie find nothing but a menial job from which Midge gets relief by seducing Emma (Ruth Roman), a lovely young waitress. One shotgun marriage later, ambitious Midge falls back on the only option he knows: boxing. Seduced by cheering crowds, money, and a succession of blondes, Midge becomes more and more of a hero in public... and a heel in private. Carl Foreman based his screenplay on Ring Lardner's story. Directed by Mark Robson for Screen Plays Corp./UA. Cast also features Marilyn Maxwell, Lola Albright, Luis Van Rooten, Polly Bergen and Harry Shannon. (IMDb)

 Use this link to view a film clip from Champion on TCM.com.

6 nominations, 1 Award